Academic Comparison between Fresno State and San Francisco State

California State University-San Marcos and San Francisco State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in California

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • Fresno State has more expensive tuition & fees ($20,682) than San Francisco State ($20,446).
  • It is harder to admit to Fresno State than San Francisco State.
  • San Francisco State has more students with 22,563 students while Fresno State has 16,237 students.
  • San Francisco State has a lower number of students per faculty with 19 to 1 while Fresno State's ratio is 24 to 1.
  • San Francisco State has more full-time faculties with 797 faculties while Fresno State has 416 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

California State University-San Marcosvs.San Francisco State University
San Marcos, CaliforniaLocationSan Francisco, California
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (high research activity)
In-State$8,082
Out-Of-State$20,682
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$7,846
Out-Of-State$20,446
63%% Receiving Financial Aid63%
$11,025Average Amount of Financial Aid$12,110
95.10 %Acceptance Rates96.44 %
13.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)8.60 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
55 %Graduation Rate50 %
4 %Transfer-out Rate6 %
79 %Retention Rate83 %
16,237Student Population22,563
416Number of Faculties797
24 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare